James Dulley
-
Most fireplaces are very inefficient home heatersOct 30, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. I have a standard furnace in my house, but I would like to add a wood-burning fireplace for more heat and the ambiance. My existing masonry fireplace seems to chill t...
-
There are big differences in low-flow showerheadsOct 23, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. Both my energy and water bills are increasing, so I plan to install low-flow showerheads. I tried them before, but my daughters hated them. Are they any better no...
-
LEED certification lowers a home's environmental impactOct 16, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. I am planning to design and build a new house and I want it to be energy efficient. I want to try to make it a LEED house so I get reduced property taxes. What exactl...
-
Give your furnace a quick check, cleaning each seasonOct 09, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. I want to keep my utility bills as low as possible. With the heating season soon upon us, is there much I can do myself to keep my heating system running at its maxim...
-
Reclaimed wood has advantages, but it is also more costlyOct 02, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. We are planning an addition to our house that we want to be efficient and "green." I heard using reclaimed lumber makes sense. Is this more efficient and as stron...
-
Fences can help reduce wind and cut energy costsSep 25, 2008 11:00 pm - >Q. A. Adding a windbreak on the northwest and north side of your house can reduce the energy loss from your house walls during winter. The savings result from reduc...
-
Sash replacement kits preserve look of older windowsSep 18, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. I want to save energy in my older house and I know my wood windows are inefficient. I want to keep the character of my house, but keep costs down. What options do...
-
Meals can be made using a solar cookersSep 04, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. I want to use solar energy to cook some foods, such as steaming rice, veggies, etc., because my kitchen gets very hot. Is this feasible? Can I buy a solar cooker ...
-
Recycling sink water is becoming more commonplaceAug 28, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. I am trying to be as environmentally conscious and save some money. I thought I could reduce water usage by recycling greywater for my landscaping and lawn. Does ...
-
Do whole-house fans lower utility bills?Aug 14, 2008 11:00 pm - Q. My mortgage payment just shot up and I need to lower expenses. I was wondering if installing and using a whole-house fan, instead of the air-conditioner as much, woul...